Are you or are you not!!!! That is my question....

[Big hammer]

Originally Posted by 31 Model A

Larry has already express the need of my help this winter with Sarah, not for knowledge but as a second person's set of hands which I will gladly give. Of course I will charge him $80.00 an hour for my help!!!!

I have seen signs, hourly rate$,you worked on$$, you help me$$$
This is a first 80$ to help your mechanic:-) What are going to charge
just to sit and watch him work ;-) keep warm, take some beverages

[J Wade]

There should be a choice for us that do everything but pour Babbitt and line bore. Where does this fit in?

[jrelliott]

I can do most of the work myself until the need for truly professionals like lathe work, mill work and babbit pouring . Lucky enough to be able to read a manual, and look at beak apart diagrams, and schematics to repair most everything. Worked on autos since 15, then an Electonics technician for about 10 years, then an Electrical Engineer plus Computer Science for over 32 years. Will tackle just about any job, but do know enough to leave it to professionals when above my expertise. Learned long time ago, breaking things because you were in over your head was more costly than hiring a professional.

[burner31]

So far I've done it all
I've worked on helicopters to the space shuttle, currently I manage maintenance (depot) on KC-135 tankers/B-52 bombers.
I'm the Supervisor now, but I have almost 40 years of aircraft experience, I've had my '57 Chevy for going on forty years, so the Model A does not scare me, just some things I need to learn.
Sometimes I do break things when I learn, one thing I have not really learned...slow down.

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by Big hammer

I have seen signs, hourly rate$,you worked on$$, you help me$$$
This is a first 80$ to help your mechanic:-) What are going to charge
just to sit and watch him work ;-) keep warm, take some beverages

Well, if Larry shoves a beer into my hand, I'll just have to sit back and...supervise!!!! Choice #4.

[larrys40]

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Originally Posted by 31 Model A

Well, if Larry shoves a beer into my hand, I'll just have to sit back and...supervise!!!! Choice #4.

Sonny, you're welcome to do that.... and looking forward to getting Sarah soon so she's good and ready for spring!
I was fortunate to have a good mechanical aptitude and a mentor to "A's" and so as you know do all my own work, both mechanical, body, Paint, Babbitt pouring and machine work with the exception of turning cranks and cams.

I'm a tool nut and an avid KR Wilson and Ford Heyer test set junkie. I can't imagine not having the tools and equipment to do the job. I'm self taught in much of it but I can't take all the credit. I had a great mentor and since deceased friend Terry Oberer. Some of the forum members older than me may remember him. I enjoy working on "A"'s... pretty much do so 7 days a week with a break or so every now and then. Also schooled in flathead V8's and others.

I've enjoyed driving and touring everywhere in the "A's" from the Pikes Peak to the east and many long distance tours.
Model A Folks are the best!

Larry Shepard

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Not sure where I fit in on this either ...but I don't do plating so that disqualifies me from doing everything too.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

The Dog sed that only FATHER TIME separates the "MEN" frum the "BOYS"---Then he LAFFED---OK, smart ass, you sleep in the FLOOR tonite-LOL
Bill Mad

[Pete]

Are you or are you not????
1-I don't know a thing and I contract out.
2-I learn by doing as I go along but still need physical help.
3-I do all the work myself.
4-I just sit back and supervise with a beer.

I used to be a 3.
Now that I have paid peons, I am a 4, except it is a martoonie instead of a beer.

[J Witt]

I do everything except major engine machining, for which I don't have equipment. I have done several frame off restores, except for babbit and grind work.

As I get older though, I am getting not strong enough for the really heavy work. Changing out a rear axle will require some real thought and a lot of rest. I have a small lathe and mill, so can do little bits. No longer have an oxy-actylene set, but still have a MIG welder for light work. No place to do anything more than spray can paint work these days. I have as much fun as I want, I reckon.

John

[jeep44]

I've been restoring and fiddling with old cars and motorcycles for at least 40 years now. I started working on cars when I was first together with my wife, and we didn't have much money. Many times, I HAD to figure out how to fix something on a car so we could get to work the next day, with the meager tools I had.
After I got into Skilled Trades, and did my Apprenticeship in Diemaking, I really started to become a real mechanic, taking on just about everything on a vehicle, other than machining cylinders. My abilities, and my collection of tools has expanded greatly over the years. To me, what makes someone a real mechanic is the knowledge to have a "plan B"-that is, knowing more than one way to solve a problem.

[Mike V. Florida]

I don't have lathes and mills and babbit pouring stuff so I cannot rebuild engines. I don't have the talent and tools to create fenders and such. I have to borrow tools, and talent from others. So with that I cannot answer "do it all".

[colin1928]

Every thing minus body paint

[Mike V. Florida]

I guess we are missing the definition of "mechanic". For purposes of this poll does a mechanic pour babbit, or install insert bearings in a raw block? Does a mechanic do sheet metal work, paint cars and pinstripping?

I find it interesting that so many chose "I do all the work myself". Do we have engine builders and fabricators here we don't know about?

[monto]

Originally Posted by carlg

i do what i know i can do, ask for help for things i'm unsure of, and on others, i let the professionals who really do know what they are doing -- do their thing.

x3.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by colin1928

Every thing minus body paint

Do you all do your own plating?

[Bob-A]

I'm a darn good "parts-changer" and in no way can I call myself a mechanic. I have real respect for a true mechanic and do not hesitate
to call on one if and when needed. Fortunately, I have good friends who are either better parts-changers or real mechanics. Who help me
out when I need it. They are a major part of my life let alone my hobby.

Bob-A

[Roadster Rich]

Like I have always told my son's, being a good engineer is not about what you have learned and know already. It is about having no fear to take something apart to fix or improve. That is me. Obviously not capable of precision machining, painting body work or plating. But our wonderful Model A's allow anyone who wants to try, to be able to do just about everything else!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

And when you "THINK" you know "EVERYTHING", you're REALLY IN TROUBLE!
Sometimes I PLAY DUMB, to get out of workin' on some CHEEP Guys' car!
Bill W.

[Mitch//pa]

This thread was very amusing...